Packers Trio Leaves Practice to Attend Funeral of Late Cowboys Star Marshawn Kneela.
The Green Bay Packers made an emotional statement this week, as three of their key players — Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, and Christian Watson — left practice to attend the funeral of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland in Frisco, Texas. The 24-year-old’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the league, uniting players, coaches, and fans in grief over the loss of a rising star whose humility and heart defined his brief but powerful NFL journey.
Head coach Matt LaFleur, known for his player-first leadership, fully supported the decision to miss practice, stating that “some moments are far greater than the game.” The Packers coach called Kneeland’s funeral “a chance to show what true respect really means,” underscoring that football is built not only on rivalry, but on shared humanity and love for those who pour their lives into it.
Marshawn Kneeland’s story struck a deep chord in locker rooms across the NFL. Drafted in the second round by Dallas in 2024, he quickly earned admiration for his quiet discipline, relentless work ethic, and unyielding drive. His death at just 24 left teammates and opponents alike grappling with the fragility of life and the sudden absence of a player so full of promise. For the Packers trio, the loss was personal — they had long respected his fire and integrity.
Quarterback Jordan Love, the Packers’ emerging leader, spoke solemnly before heading to Texas.
“Life can change in an instant,” he said. “We battle every Sunday, but at the end of the day, we’re all family in this league. Marshawn played with heart and class — that’s something every one of us honors.”
Running back Josh Jacobs, known for his own blue-collar mentality, reflected on Kneeland’s intensity.
“That kid gave everything on every snap,” Jacobs said. “Even from the other sideline, you felt his motor. That’s real passion. That’s the standard we all chase.”
Wide receiver Christian Watson offered a quiet but powerful tribute. Having crossed paths with Kneeland at a youth football camp during the offseason, Watson remembered him as “humble, locked in, and always lifting others up.”
“He made time for every kid, every fan — never acted bigger than the moment,” Watson recalled. “That’s the man behind the pads. That’s who we lost.”
The Packers organization announced they will wear black wristbands during Week 10 to honor Kneeland’s memory. The simple gesture carries deep meaning — a symbol of “respect through action,” as the team calls it. It reflects how the NFL, despite its fierce divisions, remains one brotherhood that celebrates those who give their all and mourns when one of their own is taken too soon.
As tributes continue to flood in from across the league, Marshawn Kneeland’s legacy endures. He may have left the field far too early, but his humility, perseverance, and heart live on in every player who laces up in his honor. In a sport defined by competition, the Packers’ act of compassion stands as a powerful reminder: unity and respect are the true measures of greatness.
